Living Life...Boomer Style

Krista Dunk

 

At Mother’s Day time, I like to reflect on all the moms I know and on my own motherhood. No mom I’ve ever known has been perfect and I’m certainly in that imperfect category too! I got to thinking, who would be the ultimate role model mom?

 

In the Bible, there is a great example of a role model mom--The Proverbs 31 woman.

 

We don’t know her name, age, ethnicity, or family size. We do, however, get a lot of interesting information about how she spends her time and effort. She can be a role model for us all as mothers. Let’s break this Proverb down and check out the root of this woman’s character and skills, shall we?

Proverbs 31:13 & 14: “She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.” She interacts with others to get what her family needs.

 15 “She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.” The health & nutrition of her family is important to her.

 16 “She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.” She is financially savvy and can start a business.

 
17 “She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.”  She’s not afraid of hard work.

 18 “She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.”  She plans ahead well.

 19 “In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.”  She has acquired useful skills.

 20 “She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.” Her heart is generous and compassionate to others in need. This sets a good example for her children.

 21-22 “When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.” She has made her house a comfortable home.

 23 “Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.” Her husband trusts in her judgment and abilities to care for the household activities while he is away.

 24 “She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.” Once again, she uses her skills for creating income for her family.

 25 “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” This is a well respected woman who trusts in the future God has for her.

 26 “She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.” She enjoys teaching, passing on her knowledge, and sharing her wisdom and faith. She is a mentor.

 27 “She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.” This woman is not lazy and makes her home and family a priority.

 28-29 “Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." The love and care that she shows her family is greatly appreciated and acknowledged.

 
 30-31 “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” She has earned the God-given reward that faithfulness, diligence and wisdom brings.

Do you know any moms like this? Are you a mom like this or aspire to be one? Although most of us probably do not possess all of these fine qualities right now, she can serve as an inspiration to us.

 

Moms are such a crucial part of homes, families, neighborhoods, cities, this country, and our world. I thank God for all the moms who make the world, or someone’s small part of it, a better place. Happy Mother’s Day moms! You are appreciated.